Rep. Dee Morikawa

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution requests the State Building Code Council to update Hawaii's building code to allow "point access block" construction for residential buildings up to six stories. Point access blocks are compact designs where units center around a single stairway/core (instead of requiring double-loaded corridors), aiming to improve natural lighting, ventilation, and floor plan flexibility while reducing construction costs. The resolution cites Honolulu's existing allowance for this design and argues it supports efficient land use and housing supply without compromising fire safety, as modern sprinkler systems reduce historical fire risks.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 36) encourages all counties in Hawaii to develop their own biosecurity plans focused on local invasive species threats. It does not create new laws but urges counties to prioritize their unique needs - such as climate, agriculture, or transportation risks - in creating these plans. The resolution also recommends counties collaborate with each other, the state Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. It is a non-binding recommendation, not a mandate.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 26) requests Hawaii's congressional delegation to ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address unequal export rules for Hawaiian agricultural products. It highlights that Hawaii faces longer delays than other states in getting USDA approval to export items like cut flowers and produce, as its petitions for new exports are treated the same as foreign countries' requests and often deprioritized. This delay severely restricts Hawaiian growers' ability to sell their goods, forcing them to wait years or decades for authorization. The resolution does not change laws but formally asks Congress to advocate for Hawaii's agricultural sector to achieve parity in USDA export processes.

Authorizes the issuance of special number plates to recognize the island of Kahoolawe. Specifies the decal size for all special number organizational plates. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database to be administered by the State Health Planning and Development Agency, to house a collection of data on the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the State. Establishes the Parkinson's Disease Research Collection Database Advisory Committee. Requires the Agency to create a Parkinson's disease research collection database webpage by 1/1/2026, and submit annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Appropriates funds for the Native Resources and Fire Protection Program and Hawaii Invasive Species Council to ensure their long-term viability and continue to control and eradicate invasive species in the State. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Maddy summaryHB 213 appropriates state funds to support the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, which helps healthcare professionals repay educational loans. The program directly assists licensed healthcare workers, such as nurses and physicians, who serve in underserved areas or specific healthcare roles. The bill specifies funding allocation with an effective date of July 1, 3000, though this date appears to be a placeholder error. No additional details about eligibility, funding amounts, or program administration are provided in the available context.

Establishes statewide, uniform standards to promote agricultural tourism activities in the State for all counties that have adopted an agricultural tourism ordinance. Requires agricultural tourism activities to be registered by the county planning department. Requires agricultural tourism activities to coexist with an agricultural activity on a farming operation and requires termination of the agricultural tourism activities upon cessation of the agricultural activity, except under certain circumstances. Makes conforming amendments. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Maddy summaryHB 1278 appropriates state funds to assess and remove hazardous trees on state lands across Hawaii. It directly affects Hawaii's state land management agencies, providing the necessary budget for these safety-related tree removal operations. The bill's key mechanism is the allocation of specific funding for tree assessment and removal, effective July 1, 2030 (note: "3000" in abstract appears to be a typo). This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, focused solely on enabling tree removal work on state property.

Requires and appropriates funds for the Department of Agriculture to develop an online reporting tool on restricted use pesticide usage. Appropriates funds to convert an unspecified number of temporary Environmental Health Specialist III positions into permanent positions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)